The ideal guest house - by Kathy my guest blogger

A big welcome to my first guest blogger!!  Have you found the blog Princess Anne County yet?  Kathy has a real gift for researching her posts with loads of great pictures and well thought out details.   She is a decorator in Virgina Beach, she specialises in working with what her client already has.  She started her blog as a way to connect and share ideas with clients and friends.

I loved her post about Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward,   and she did a great article of using halls to display artwork.

Since I'm currently redecorating our guest cottage, I asked her to share her impressions on the ideal guest house.

Mega-hotels, cruise ships, and luxury resorts certainly have their place, and many fans. But as for me, I'll take the guest house option please, for my holiday stay.

Romance and charm factor aside...

...a guest house can have many advantages over a hotel.

First of all, the price can be cheaper, especially if you are staying a week or more.

It's actually a great idea for your own backyard. Family and friends would certainly appreciate it, and it might help to alleviate some of the stress so many of you feel when entertaining house guests.

It could become a relationship saver as well. 

guest house=dog house!

The decor is best when kept clean and simple. Too many pieces of furniture or accessories can be overwhelming in an unfamiliar space.

Another advantage to the guest house stay is location, it's usually nicer, away from commercial zones.

There are advantages to the amenities a guest house can offer. You may have a kitchen, a washer and dryer, or if you are lucky, a lovely outdoor area or garden to enjoy.

The ability to wander through markets and purchase fresh local fare is priceless.

And then to be able to bring it back to your own kitchen to prepare and enjoy would be such a treat, especially for those of you with picky eaters.

Imagine not having to get up, get dressed, trudge to the restaurant downstairs, or down the street for your morning coffee.

Forget those cheap, tiny hotel room coffee pots with paper cups and powdered cream. No more stale muffins and over-ripe fruit at the breakfast bar. You've got a little outdoor shangri la right outside your door.

Afterwards?...maybe a bike tour around the area. Many guest house operators provide them.

The best part of a guest house stay can be getting to know the owner. Their knowledge of the area is invaluable. Whether it's sightseeing, a restaurant pick, help with directions, customs, or the language, a guest house proprietor can assist in making your stay more gratifying.

It's the type of place where one might forgo a shower for a long relaxing bath.

The best accommodations will have in hand plenty of towels, sheets, and comfortable bedding.

Bedrooms should be peaceful and inviting and offer a variety of sleeping options.

A little whimsy is always appreciated.

So if you are looking for a place to reside while on holiday, 

family visit, or extended business, consider the guest house.

You'll be glad that you did...

Thank you Kathy - inspiring!